The version of Android that comes pre-installed on your smartphone isn’t very secure or private. Unless you comb through the system settings and change a handful of privacy and security settings, you’re in store for data collection, targeted ads, and more. That said, the beauty of Android is that you can make it your own. There are a surprising number of privacy-focused Android ROMs you can install to protect your privacy and remove Google services from your devices. These include /e/OS, LineageOS, and GrapheneOS. The problem is that these rarely come pre-installed on new Android phones right out of the box, spurning adoption.
People like to buy a new phone and have it ready to go, and few people want to risk bricking their brand-new device by flashing a custom ROM. That’s why, as much as we claim to want more privacy, we stick with the Android version that ships on our smartphone of choice. It might not always be that way. In a surprising move, Motorola announced a partnership with GrapheneOS at MWC, and it’s everything I love about Android. Starting next year, you’ll be able to get a phone with GrapheneOS right out of the box, and it’ll be a game-changer for security and privacy accessibility.
I’ve never used an Android phone that felt this clean and private
Murena’s /e/OS tries to keep as much of the Android experience intact as possible while removing excess trackers and Google services.
Everything you need to know about GrapheneOS
It’s a privacy-focused Android version exclusive to Pixels… for now
There’s no such thing as “stock” Android in 2026 — the version of Android 16 you get on a Google Pixel phone is a heavily customized version of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) release. The AOSP is pretty barebones, and it’s up to any company building on it to include extra features that make it a complete mobile operating system.
With that in mind, even the most basic AOSP versions have deep integrations with Google services. If you’re a privacy-conscious user, you might not want that. This is where custom ROMs like GrapheneOS come in.
GrapheneOS takes version 16 (or the current one) of the AOSP release and removes unnecessary Google services to protect your privacy. It removes Google Play Services by default, but maintains compatibility with Google Play Store apps. Additionally, users can optionally use sandboxed Play Services, which provide the benefits of Google features while running them in an isolated environment that can’t access sensitive data.
There are extra security features, too, like USB-C port restrictions while the device is locked. Ever heard of charge-only cables used to avoid juice jacking? GrapheneOS builds this feature right into its Android version, and it’s one of the many great privacy and security features on offer.
Why it’s coming to Motorola phones
Giving users extra security and privacy without the hassle
Currently, running GrapheneOS is only possible on Pixels, and installing it is an intensive process not fit for casual users. That’s what makes Motorola’s partnership with GrapheneOS so exciting. Starting in 2027, Motorola and GrapheneOS will co-develop hardware that meets robust security and privacy standards.
It’s unclear exactly what this will look like, because we know that GrapheneOS isn’t replacing traditional Android across the board. We do know that “Motorola and the GrapheneOS Foundation will work to strengthen smartphone security and collaborate on future devices engineered with GrapheneOS compatibility,” according to a press release.
Motorola did mention Lenovo ThinkShield solutions alongside the GrapheneOS partnership, so it’s possible the new phones will have an enterprise focus. Here’s what GrapheneOS had to say about the “long-term” partnership:
We are thrilled to be partnering with Motorola to bring GrapheneOS’s industry‑leading privacy and security‑focused mobile operating system to their next-generation smartphone. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in expanding the reach of GrapheneOS, and we applaud Motorola for taking this meaningful step towards advancing mobile security.
GrapheneOS added that the first crop of compatible smartphones will be based on the Motorola Signature, Motorola Razr Fold, and Motorola Razr Ultra product lines in a post on X (formerly Twitter). This could expand to more phones in the future, but for now, those are the models that meet GrapheneOS’ strict security requirements. In other words, it’s an exciting time to be an Android user.
What Is GrapheneOS and Is it Better for Your Privacy?
GrapheneOS is a custom version of Android that claims to prioritize your privacy and security. But does it? Should you switch to GrapheneOS?
Motorola could make deGoogling feel stock
Imagine buying a privacy-focused Android phone with zero hassle
If I had to sum up the spirit of Android in one word, it’d be choice. You could swap that for customization or another synonym, but the advantage Android has over every competing mobile OS is choice — you can make it your own. It feels like that spirit is fading out, though, as Samsung and Google take steps to restrict sideloading and encourage users to stay within official channels. That’s why Motorola’s shocking GrapheneOS announcement is such a breath of fresh air. Being able to choose your Android ROM when buying a phone is everything Android is about.
There are still a lot of unknowns, but one thing is for sure. Using GrapheneOS is about to become a lot more viable for privacy-conscious users. Eliminating the need to flash GrapheneOS on your own device will open up the operating system to people without much technical knowledge, and that’s a good thing. Not everyone will switch to GrapheneOS — heck, I’m not going to switch to GrapheneOS — but I love that Motorola is going to make it easier than ever for people to go that route starting next year.
- OS
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Android
- Security
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de-Googled, privacy focused
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AOSP 16
GrapheneOS is a privacy-focused Android version without Google services. You can install it on a narrow set of supported devices today, but you’ll need to really know what you’re doing. It’s an intensive process that requires technical know-how. That will change when Motorola officially sells GrapheneOS phones next year.
